Toronto/Ottawa, May 17, 2023 – Today marks 28 years since the alleged illegal abduction of Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama by the Chinese authorities. At the tender age of six, the Panchen Lama and his family disappeared without a trace, with no news of his whereabouts or wellbeing since that day in 1995. In response, the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Toronto and the Tibetan Women Association of Ontario organized a rally in Toronto, calling for the immediate release of the Panchen Lama.
This poignant anniversary was also acknowledged in the Canadian Parliament, where Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, a Member of Parliament (MP) from Bloc Québécois, made a statement advocating for Canada’s support for the release of the Panchen Lama. This is the latest demonstration of the international community’s deep concern about the issue.
MP Brunelle-Duceppe not only emphasized the need for the Panchen Lama’s release, but also underscored the importance of preserving the Tibetan people’s language, religion, and culture. This call represents an international plea for the respect and preservation of the rich Tibetan culture, which has faced ongoing pressures and restrictions.
The disappearance of the Panchen Lama, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism, has been a significant point of tension between Tibet and China for nearly three decades. China has consistently denied allegations of his abduction, claiming instead that he is living a normal life away from the public eye.
This issue, however, goes beyond the borders of Tibet and China. The Panchen Lama’s disappearance is of international concern, symbolizing broader human rights and religious freedom issues. The rallying call from Toronto and the parliamentary statement from MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe clearly shows that Canada is among those nations deeply concerned about these issues.
The rally in Toronto, organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Toronto and the Tibetan Women Association of Ontario, has highlighted the importance of continued pressure on the Chinese authorities for transparency regarding the Panchen Lama’s whereabouts and wellbeing. As we mark 28 years since his disappearance, the world continues to hope for his safe return and the preservation of Tibetan language, religion, and culture.
The Canadian-Tibetans’ rally and MP Brunelle-Duceppe’s statement stand as a firm call to action, urging for international support and intervention to ensure the release of the 11th Panchen Lama and the preservation of the unique Tibetan heritage. As we look forward, it is hoped that these calls will not fall on deaf ears and will lead to meaningful action in support of Tibet’s cultural and religious freedom.